Classic country pub — and that’s no bull

The land, building and going concern business sustaining a classic country pub, well patronised by classic car clubs and genuine motorcycle riders, have been placed on the market.

Te Poi Tavern (pictured right), in the settlement of Te Poi 10km southeast of Matamata in Waikato, has been trading for nearly 30 years and is well established as a stop for automotive enthusiasts driving or riding between Waikato and Bay of Plenty at the base of the Kaimai Ranges.

The building was constructed in 1980 as the office block for the Sunny Park Hinuera Co-operative Dairy Factory. The premises was sold in 1993 and reconfigured into a licensed hospitality operation.

Looking for something which would not only make the locals feel proud of their new watering-hole but also promote the venue to a wider audience, a 6m black and white Friesian cow statue was installed at the front in

1994-95. The tavern soon became known as The Big Cow. In 1995 a calf was installed for visitors to sit on and have photographs taken.

Sitting on 1549sq m of rurally zoned section, the freehold land, building and going concern at 11 Te Poi Rd are for auction on December 8 through Bayleys Whitianga.

Salesperson Josh Smith said the tavern was a true country pub whose clientele predominantly comprised the area’s rural population and industrial workers, enhanced by a steady stream of tourists and visitors.

“The Te Poi Tavern and its famous cows are now very much on the ‘tourist circuit’ with the likes of motorcycle and classic car clubs, as well as self-contained motorhome and caravan owners who take advantage of the ability to park up at the premises free of charge,” said Smith.

“The open-plan atmosphere inside is like many Kiwi country pubs with a plethora of leaner tables and stools – where you’ll turn up and find a family with young kids enjoying a lunch of burgers and chips beside a table of local farmers discussing beef prices and Fonterra’s forecast payout on milk solids over a jug of beer, or factory workers having a quiet pint or two at the end of the day.

“Being the heart of the local community, the tavern regularly hosts birthday parties, wedding anniversaries, and community group meetings. After 11 great years under its current ownership, the pub has firmly cemented itself as the heart of the area. However the owners are looking to retire and pass on the reins to the next generation of hospitality operators.”